Honour - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jun, Fri, 2025

Health

FCT Health Secretary honoured for health, environment, climate action

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By Philip Yatai

Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has received three recognitions for her impactful contributions in health, environment and climate action.

Mrs Bola Ajao, Special Assistant to the Mandate Secretary on Media, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

Ajao described Fasawe’s recognition for her dedication to public service as simply “remarkable”.

She said that the mandate Secretary received three major awards in one month for her outstanding work in healthcare delivery, environmental protection, and climate advocacy.

She said that the first award came during the Annual Conference of the Pest Control Association of Nigeria, held at Radisson Blu in Lagos.

She explained that Fasawe was named the “Amazon of Environmental Health,” at the event, a title reserved for leaders making major strides in environmental health and pest control.

“She was later presented with the “Silent Hero in Healthcare Delivery” award at the 7th edition of the Nigeria Silent Heroes Awards (NSHA) in Abuja.

“The award recognised her impactful but quiet leadership in improving healthcare systems and policies across the FCT.

“The third honour came from her alma mater, the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Osun State, where she received an Award of Excellence in Climate Action during the 2025 International Conference of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

“The three-day event with the theme, “Accelerating Climate Action for Sustainable Livelihoods in Nigeria,” highlighted her efforts in integrating climate-focused strategies into public health and governance,” she said.

She said that dignitaries at the event commended Fasawe’s visible contributions in promoting climate action and celebrated her as a proud ambassador of the university.

“A special reception was later held in her honour by her former classmates,” she said.

Ajao said that the recognitions reflect Fasawe’s consistent record of service, leadership, and commitment to both people and the environment.

She added that Fasawe’s achievements have continued to inspire action toward sustainable development in Nigeria.

Responding, Fasawe attributed her successes to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s doggedness in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

She equally thanked Wike for creating an enabling environment that allows all the Mandate Secretaries in the FCT Administration to explore their potential and deliver the dividends of democracy to FCT residents. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

FCC Commissioner honoured with outstanding personality of year award

Philip Daniel Yatai
May, Thu, 2025

General News

FCC Commissioner honoured with outstanding personality of year award

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By Patricia Amogu

Mrs Ginika-Tor Williams, the Federal Commissioner representing Enugu State at the Federal Character Commission (FCC), has been honoured with the “Most Outstanding Personality of the Year 2025” at the African Iconic Women Recognition Awards (AIWRA) 2025 in Abuja.

Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the First Lady of Lagos State, won the AIWRA 2024 award after she secured a comfortable lead over four other first ladies in the voting exercise that ensued.

Organised by Face of Democracy Nigeria (FDN), the award recognises outstanding women for their contributions to peace-building and national development.

As women in Nigeria continue to break the glass ceiling in all careers and notable professions, they have also been identified by the celebrity recognition firm for honours.

The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mrs. Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi alongside her Ghanaian counterpart Rebecca Naa Okaikor Akufo-Addo and that of Benin Republic, Madam Claudine Talon are some of the women that received various awards in 2024.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi central, and Boma Goodhead, the lawmaker representing Akuku/Asari Toru constituency in Rivers, were shortlisted for the 2024 AIWRA awards.

In her reaction to the award, Ginika-Tor told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the event that she remains an advocate for justice and human rights and will continue to be resilient in her advocacy for the full representation of the common man in all strata of the nation.

“Being the iconic personality of the year reminds me that there is more work to be done.

“You do things, and you never know that people would be watching. It goes a long way to tell me that I have to continue to be the best in everything I do, to try to project the system in a positive light, and to try to remain steadfast in what I believe in.

“Just like our national anthem seeks to achieve, may the God of creation help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed, so that with peace and plenty, Nigeria might be blessed.

“It is a thing of joy for me to have been on the path of positivity for the advancement of Africa and Nigeria and today I am being honoured as the iconic personality of the year.

“It goes a long way to say that it is time for me to begin to do more because it is not enough.

“It is often said that to whom much is given, much is expected,” she said.

She urged women to unite and work closely not as competitors but as supporters.

“It doesn’t really matter what you are going through because everyone is striving, but you’ve got to show society the real you.

“You’ve got to give to society what you’ve got,” she added.

Another of the awardees, Mrs Rabia Usoro, the Chief Executive Officer, Hareem Istanbul (Hareem Group, Co-founder/Principal Partner of We Make Magic Studios, said women had the capacity to make significant impact in the society when empowered.

“I have dedicated my life to empowering women. So, I try to be a role model for them.

Among the women honoured is Huriyya Dauda Lawal, who was recognised for her exceptional leadership and advocacy abilities within the span of two years as the wife of the Zamfara State Governor among others. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Yoruba Council honours ex-NAWOJ president with traditional title

Ismail Abdulaziz
May, Fri, 2025

Entertainment

Yoruba Council honours ex-NAWOJ president with traditional title

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By Bukola Adetoye

The Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW) has honoured Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, former President of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, with the title of “Yeye Ataiyese Omoluabi Odua Agbaye”.

The title means ”The mother, who beautifies the world, who is also an honourable person of Oduduwa clan worldwide”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prestigious title was conferred on Omowole during the 26th anniversary and 7th annual World Omoluabi Festival held on Thursday in Abeokuta.

Omowole is currently Head of Editorial Operations of NAN, Lagos office.

According to the Global President of YCW, Aare Sooko Hassan, the council is dedicated to advancing the Yoruba Agenda.

Hassan said the title was reserved for individuals who were well-mannered and had demonstrated exceptional service in Yoruba land.

“The Yoruba Agenda refers to a collective framework aimed at promoting the interests and development of the Yoruba people, particularly in the South-West geopolitical zone of Nigeria.

“It focuses on unity, economic empowerment, education, infrastructure development, good governance, and self-determination,” Hassan said.

He noted, however, that the agenda was experiencing numerous challenges, such as divisions among Yoruba sub-ethnic groups with differing opinions and interests.

“Lack of unity and cohesion, especially among Yoruba political elites, limited financial and human resources, national policies that often impact Yoruba regional development and autonomy.”

In her acceptance speech, Omowole expressed appreciation to the organisers for the honour, describing it as motivation to continue serving the land diligently.

“Though I am not a Yoruba woman, I have been married to a Yoruba man for over 30 years and I am also a chief in Ife.

“Every time I am recognised in Yoruba land, it strengthens my belief in the unity of Nigeria,” she said.

The Yeye added that “I speak Yoruba fluently, including its proverbs, and sees such honours as a testament to national unity.

“It is a sign of unity. All Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, must build on this to show that we can truly be one.”

Omowole also praised NAN for giving her the platform to showcase her skills over the years.

“I’m one of the oldest in the NAN newsroom. I’ve spent nearly 33 years here, consistently producing award-winning stories.

“This isn’t the first time I’m being recognised, and I’m grateful.”(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

TEXEM honours women leaders’ in governance, strategy, innovation

Ismail Abdulaziz
Mar, Wed, 2025

General News

TEXEM honours women leaders’ in governance, strategy, innovation

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These Executive Minds (TEXEM), a United Kingdom-based leadership development organisation, has recognised outstanding Nigerian women leaders among her alumni for their contributions to governance, strategic leadership, and innovation.

The recognition, which coincides with Women’s Month and International Women’s Day, highlights the achievements of female professionals in government, finance, healthcare, media, and other key sectors.

TEXEM stated that these women’s contributions underscore the growing influence of female professionals in national development and the critical role of women in shaping public policy and driving business transformation.

Among those recognised are Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and Sen. Oluranti Idiat Adebule, both commended for their roles in legislative reforms, education policy, and public administration.

Also acknowledged are Sunkanmi Oyegbola and Busola Abidakun, serving as Permanent Secretaries in Lagos State, and Daba Bolaji, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, for their contributions to policy implementation, youth empowerment, and governance reforms.

The organisation also recognised Dupe Olusola, immediate past Managing Director of Transcorp Hotels, for leading business transformation in the hospitality industry and Chinwe Iloghalu, Acting Managing Director at Nova Bank, for driving financial innovation.

Others recognised include Adenike Brown Awosan, for her leadership in branding and marketing, Ebele Nwachukwu, Managing Director of Royal Exchange General Insurance, and Olayinka Ajayi, Executive Director at Zenith Pensions, for their contributions to the insurance and pensions sectors.

In the media sector, Ijeoma Nwogwugwu, former CEO of Arise News, and Ijeoma Ude, Executive Director at BusinessDay, were acknowledged for their role in public discourse and business journalism.

Zainab Nda-Isaiah, Chairman of Leadership Newspaper Nigeria Ltd, and Dr (h.c.) Hadiza I. Bala, Group Executive Director at Media Trust Group, were also recognised for their contributions to journalism and corporate governance.

In healthcare, Tonye Ukpong, CEO of Total Health Trust, was commended for enhancing service delivery and industry collaboration.

The organisation also highlighted the impact of Hajara Bolanle Oniyangi and Ann Iyonu of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, for their contributions to policy reforms, democracy, and sustainable development.

TEXEM noted that the achievements of these professionals demonstrate the shifting leadership landscape, where women continue to break barriers in governance and corporate leadership.

The organisation called for sustained efforts to promote gender inclusivity, stating that women’s leadership fosters diversity, better decision-making, and economic growth.

The founder of TEXEM, UK, said:
“The future belongs to those who lead with vision, resilience, and impact. At TEXEM, we celebrate women who redefine governance, strategy, and innovation—not just by breaking barriers, but by shaping a more inclusive and prosperous world.”

TEXEM is a leadership development and executive education organisation committed to equipping public and private sector leaders with strategies to address complex challenges.(NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz